The iconic Zhongshan delicacy, Shiqi Pigeon from Zhongshan City in south China's Guangdong province, is gaining traction in overseas markets. According to Zhongshan Customs, the city exported 12.1 tonnes of cooked pigeon products in 2025, valued at approximately 1.24 million yuan. The products are primarily sold to Australia, with plans to expand into Canada, Singapore, and other markets.
Renowned for its crispy skin and tender meat, Shiqi Pigeon is a hallmark of Zhongshan's culinary culture, with its cooking technique recognized as a municipal-level intangible cultural heritage.
To support exports, Zhongshan Customs has implemented tailored supervision measures aligned with the needs of exporters and the standards of importing countries. Authorities provide guidance across key stages, including raw material sourcing, production control, storage, and logistics, helping enterprises strengthen quality management systems and meet international food safety requirements.
A company representative stated that export volumes have grown rapidly, with individual orders increasing from a few hundred pigeons in early trial shipments to more than 5,000. With growing recognition among overseas consumers, particularly within overseas Chinese communities, Shiqi Pigeon is emerging as a distinctive culinary calling card for Zhongshan.
Author | He Fengyu
Photo | Zhongshan Customs
Editor | Liu Lingzhi, James Campion, Shen He
